I've covered hundreds of apps for Windows Central, and I personally recommend these 6 to fix Windows 11 and replace Microsoft's apps

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In my experience covering Windows, Microsoft’s default apps often fall short, so I put together my top picks to build a better PC setup.

A black Windows laptop sitting on a white desk with six glowing app icons floating around it, including Microsoft Whiteboard, Edge Drop, PowerToys, Google Gemini, WidBar, and Files.
(Image credit: Google | Jenius Apps | AdiArtist on Reddit | Yair A | Microsoft | Andrea Del Bello | Edited with Gemini)

I've covered over 100 apps during my time at Windows Central. From powerful video editors to tiny utilities that change a hyper-specific part of Windows 11, there are a massive number of apps to install on a PC.

Sean Endicott

Sean Endicott News Writer Windows Central

(Image credit: Future)

What I'm working on this week: I'm performing a clean install of Windows 11 on my PC and rebuilding my work setup with my favorite customization apps and tools.

One of my favorite categories of apps is those that enhance, improve, or replace the everyday computing experience. For example, on my smartphone I have several extensions to clean up the mobile browsing experience.

When it comes to Windows 11, I'm quick to install a third-party replacement of a default app, a tweaker that improves a default experience, or to use an app to replicate core functionality of a built-in app.

On top of providing unique functionality that enhances your computing experience, each of these apps can also be used to replace a built-in part of Windows 11 or a dedicated Microsoft app.

As I rebuild my clean Windows 11 installation this week, these will be the first six apps I download to replace Microsoft's defaults.

My top Windows 11 apps

Gemini (replacing Microsoft Editor)
Gemini (replacing Microsoft Editor): at gemini.google.com

Microsoft Editor is fine for catching stray commas, but it struggles with more complex editing. Gemini catches subtle phrasing errors and provides suggestions to restructure paragraphs, refine flow, and adjust tone.

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Markerpad (replacing Whiteboard)
Markerpad (replacing Whiteboard): $2.50 at apps.microsoft.com

Microsoft Whiteboard feels bloated, is web-based, and is going away for non-business users. Markerpad is a lightweight whiteboard app that runs natively on Windows 11 and loads quickly.

View Deal
Edge Drop (replacing Clipboard)
Edge Drop (replacing Clipboard): at edgedrop.vercel.app


This clipboard manager lives on the side of your screen and supports drag-and-drop. I use it in conjunction with the built-in Windows Clipboard, but you could easily rely on Edge Drop and never have to press WIN + V.

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Files (replacing File Explorer)
Files (replacing File Explorer): $14.99 at apps.microsoft.com


This file management app blazes a trail ahead of Windows 11's built-in File Explorer by experimenting with new features and testing new layouts before Microsoft.

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PowerToys (replacing several Windows 11 features)
PowerToys (replacing several Windows 11 features): at apps.microsoft.com


Microsoft PowerToys is a collection of utilities that often outshine similar tools on Windows 11. For example, FancyZones is more powerful than snapping windows. One of my colleagues, Richard Devine, even uses PowerToys Run instead of the Start menu.

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WidBar (replacing Windows 11 widgets)
WidBar (replacing Windows 11 widgets): at apps.microsoft.com


This app places widgets to the empty spaces of the Windows 11 taskbar. Even in beta, the app provides a better widget experience than Windows 11's built-in widgets panel.

View Deal
Sean Endicott
Sean Endicott
News Writer

Sean Endicott is a News Writer at Windows Central, where he covers Windows 11, Surface hardware, Microsoft 365, AI, apps, and the broader PC ecosystem. Since joining the site in 2017, he has written well over a thousand articles across the Microsoft landscape, covering breaking news, analysis, and feature reporting.

He writes Windows Wrap, a weekly column covering the biggest stories in Windows and the PC industry, and what they mean for the platform going forward.

Before joining Windows Central full-time, Sean worked in journalism and media production after earning a First Class degree in Broadcast Journalism from Nottingham Trent University. Outside of tech, he is an award-winning American football coach based in Nottingham, England, and was named BAFCA Youth Coach of the Year in 2024.

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